CETONIIN^. 



31 



although also found in ants' nests. Either there has been a 

 reversion to ancestral habits or they have never been entirely lost. 

 One other genus {Sinhplwrus) is exceptional in having conspicuous 

 white markings (conspicuous when closely examined, that is, but 

 probably the reverse in its usual environment) upon a shining 

 black background, and there is reason for supposing that this also 

 is less completely subterranean in habit than other Ceemasto- 

 CHiLiNi. Spilopliorns cretosus has been found in the nest of an ant, 

 but congeners inhabiting Africa and having a similar coloration 

 are found in birds' nests, upon which their larvse feed, as Mr. Guy 

 Marshall has observed. The coloration suggests a cryptic 

 adaptation to such an environment and it will probably be found 

 that the two Indian species have, at least partially, the same 

 habit. 



Several species of Cetonii?^^ in the adult condition attack the 

 nests or hives of bees, opening the cells and devouring the stored 

 honey. Protcetia opaca around the Mediterranean, P. fusca (an 

 Indian species) in Australia, and probably other species, cause 

 considerable injury in this way. Others are injurious on account of 

 their habit of destroying the stamens of flowers and so preventing 

 the formation of fruit. AVhether any of them are capable of 

 injuring ripe fruits when in perfectly sound condition, or whether 

 they only take advantage of abrasions already existing, is 

 uncertain. 



